Sunday January 04, 2009

We all gathered at the Baxter Bakery, Alan, Ron, Brian, Les, Mick, Geoff, Bob and myself for coffee or a pot of Earl Grey for the more sophisticated amongst us, so far just the one! Peter B (Hon. Sec) appeared with a mug in hand, looking extremely well, to encourage the assembly before disappearing, very sensibly, back into the comfort of home. In line with the “we want to know where we are going” suggestion, Ron (Olsson) the ride leader issued written “Ride Directions” and we set off for Marysville. The weather forecast had indicated a mixed day and in true Melbourne style the following hours varied from positively warm and dry, to brass bleedin’ monkeys and torrential rain. Mick accepted the role as tail-ender and the first leg was up through Berwick on to Woori Yallock with morning tea at Warburton. So far very pleasant but the now threatening weather prompted Brian to give a brief, but entertaining, version of “Seniors can do break-dancing” in the Warburton car-park whilst donning his rain-gear. Photo’s are available. Thereafter through Healesville, with crowds that would have matched Christmas Week in Collins Street., and on via Narbethong and into St. Fillans, namely the “Black Spur” normally a very picturesque route, to Marysville.  Here we stopped for lunch and chatted with the Mornington Wanderers branch while the rain literally fell down outside. The somewhat testing conditions of the morning became a ‘little more’ testing in the afternoon as we tackled the Reefton Spur, but our Ride Leader kept a sensible pace and everyone appeared to enjoy the run despite the miserable weather. A short stop at Yarra Junction to empty our boots and wring out the gloves and then home via Gembrook, Pakenham and Cardina where we were caught yet again by another downpour, it has to be said though, that this was an excellent ride and given better circumstances would be difficult to beat. Well done, Ron!!

One final observation, when I joined Two Bays I had had little experience of wet-weather riding I was encouraged, quite rightly, to get out there and experience it. After the last few rides I can confidently say that I am more comfortable travelling in the rain but I have developed a tendency to quack occasionally.

 Nick Swales